US Bridges

Z Road over Middle Oak Creek

FairPosted for load

Smith County, Kansas · 5.5S 4.0E of Bellaire · Structure no. 000920685703385

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Z Road over Middle Oak Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Z Road over Middle Oak Creek in Smith County, Kansas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 89 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 70 ft (21.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesZ Road
CrossesMiddle Oak Creek
Location5.5S 4.0E of Bellaire
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySmith County
StateKansas
Coordinates39.71895, -98.60323
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating29.4 US tons
Inventory rating17.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length70 ft (21.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$360,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Z Road over Middle Oak Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Z Road over Middle Oak Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Z Road over Middle Oak Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Z Road over Middle Oak Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Z Road over Middle Oak Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.